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German States In A Nutshell, Part 2

Monday, May 28th, 2012

Here it is, the much anticipated part two of my “German Federal States In A Nutshell.” There’s a lot of history, culture, and economics in each of Germany’s states. Isn’t it much easier to break it all down?

OK, OK, maybe I didn’t add every little nuance into all of them, they are snippets after all. ;-)

As a reminder, here’s Part 1 of German States.

Where did I leave off? Oh yeah…

Lower Saxony

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times — Lower Saxony is best enjoyed by bicycle. All the better to see all this agricultural landscape. Whatever mode of transportation you’re using to see this state that includes Hanover, Göttingen, and Wolfsburg, will work all the same.

You’ll certainly eat good, there’s everything from potatoes to sugar beets, and wheat that are grown around here.

Take that, Schleswig-Holstein, MeckPomm, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Wow, would you believe that all those places border Lower Saxony? Yeah, me either.

North Rhine-Westphalia

Eighteen million people live within this most populated state, if you’d believe it. Not so hard to understand when you’ve got cities like Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Aachen, and Cologne — as well as lots of medieval architecture, half-timbered houses, and UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered throughout its many villages and towns.

Cologne is a big favorite. It’s got an annual film festival, a huge Carnival season (November to February), and the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. If you want a picture — stand far back, its towers are 157 meters high (oh, and it took over 600 years to complete!).

Rhineland-Palatinate

This is a predominantly Catholic state that borders Baden-Württemberg, Saarland, Luxembourg, Belgium, and France. No wonder they appreciate the great wines that come straight from this region.

Viticulture might be big business here, but visiting charming cities like Trier, Speyer, Mainz, and Worms are also a must-see.

Saarland

The Saarland is Germany’s smallest state, which also borders France (as well as Luxembourg and the Rhineland-Palatinate). French is widely spoken here; and you’ll find cities like Saarlouis, Neunkirchen, Saarbrücken, and Sankt Wendel.

Saxony

No, this isn’t the land of the Saxons of the Germanic Tribes, but where you’ll be when you’re visiting Leipzig, Dresden, Zwickau, and Chemnitz. It’s also a wine region, has mountains, and castles. Sadly it isn’t known for being a top spot for tourists to Germany, though you’d miss out big time not to spend some time here too!

Besides, did you know that recent excavations have found 29 million year old fossils?

Hmm, maybe more people will come to visit from now on? :-)

Saxony-Anhalt

Saxony-Anhalt is proud of its rustic Harz Mountains, Martin Luther, and the Romanesque Route that winds its way through this state.

Consequently, you’ll want to pay a visit to Magdeburg, Wittenberg, and Halle.

Schleswig-Holstein

Bordering the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, this state is home to one of the most famous nude beaches in the country — on the Island of Sylt, if you’re wondering.

It’s also where you’ll find the annual Cabbage Festival (September), hear Low German, North Frisian, and Danish all spoken in the same place. Try a delightful dish known as Rote Grütze made with custard and berries (take your pick — strawberries, raspberries, currants, whatever, it’s yummy).

Thuringia

This is the last of Germany’s federal states — but certainly not the least. Known as Thüringen in German, Thuringia was once home to Martin Luther, since he went to school in Erfurt. Erfurt’s also where you find the country’s oldest synagogue (11th century), the Rennsteig (a gorgeous hiking trail), and great cities like Eisenach and Weimar.

Wouldn’t be the ultimate dream trip to visit all of Germany’s states? Don’t you wish you had that kind of time? Maybe I should get out from behind the computer — and travel more, huh? ;-)

Posted in Culture & Art, Dream Trips, Parks & Nature, Places To Live, Regional, Sights, Travel Tips | No Comments Yet »

German States In A Nutshell, Part 1

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

The fact that Germany has sixteen federal states it might be hard to keep track of what’s what, and where’s where. Sure it would be nice to visit the Bavarian Alps then shoot over to chill out on the North Sea coast, but considering they’re nowhere near each other — you’ve got a lot of ground to cover between them.

Ya get what I’m talking about? Good thing I’m here to help you understand each of Germany’s states, and their unique culture.

Oh wait, this is only Part 1 — so here are the first eight.

Baden-Württemberg

Some of Germany’s most famous cities are located within this state; Stuttgart, Heidelberg, and Freiburg to name a few. This is also a famous wine producing region, as well as where you’ll find the Black Forest and the Bertha Benz Memorial Route, Lake Constance, and a huge Oktoberfest that’s second only to Munich’s.

Bavaria

Yeah, speaking of Munich, Bavaria is where you’ll find this beer partying town that attracts millions of visitors for this September festival. But, beer isn’t its only attraction (shocked, considering this is where the German Purity Laws for beer started).

The Bavarian Alps dramatic landscape is extraordinary. No wonder some 12 million people live in this state that borders not only Lake Constance, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Thuringia, and Saxony — but also the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland.

Geography aside, Bavaria’s home to the Franconian Wine Region, has delicious Weisswurst to eat, and your chance to see folks dressed in lederhosen and the traditional dirndl.

Berlin

Yes, I’m fully aware that Berlin is Germany’s capital city, though it’s also a federal state (totally surrounded by Brandenburg). I’m still not sure how the city has managed to have over 700 hotels, 135 million visitors a year, over 150 museums, and some of the liveliest nightlife — when over a third of it is covered by parks, gardens, lakes, and forests. What a unique mix!

Brandenburg

This state doesn’t include Berlin, mind you (wait, didn’t I just say that in the paragraph above). Brandenburg’s capital is Potsdam, but with countless parks, lakes, national parks (including the Spree Forest) you’ll have a heckava excellent time hiking or bicycling around this part of the country.

Bremen

Yet another state that’s also a city — and Bremen also includes Bremerhaven. The city of Bremen has been a free city for centuries (its Roland statue from 1404 proves it), and its Marktplatz is one of the most beautiful in the country.

Bremerhaven is a port town that’s a perfect setting for the German Maritime Museum. The weather’s great during the summer — where temperatures rarely (if ever) get above 30° C or 85° F. Quite cool if you’ve ever spent the summer in the European South. ;-)

Hamburg

Germay’s second largest city seems to have an even better climate than Bremerhaven (average summer highs are only in the 20s/70s); and has a cityscape that’s got to be seen to be believed. It’s a gay-friendly city with an opera house, almost 4 dozen theaters, and 60 museums.

While you’re here try the local Birnen, Bohnen und Speck — a dish made from pears, beans, and bacon. After a day of mudflat hiking at the Wadden Sea National Park, you’re bound to be starving.

Hesse

Inasmuch as Brandenburg is a nature lovers dream destination, Hesse could rival it in a heartbeat. Yeah, this might be where you’ll find cities like the cosmopolitan Frankfurt am Main, academic Darmstadt, and medieval Kassel — I’d pretty much say the Westerwald, Taunus Mountains, and the Vogelsberg are the real showstoppers.

Just one thing: you better behave yourself while your here; Hesse is the only state in Germany that still has the death penalty — YIKES!

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Bordering Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is Germany’s least populated federal state. Doesn’t that sound great when you want to get away from the masses? Hey, with over 280 nature reserves and 14 national parks — there ain’t no room for people, I guess. ;-)

Just kidding, but this state that’s got Chalk Cliffs, borders the Baltic Sea, and over a thousand megalithic monuments is often not given the respect it truly deserves.

Don’t worry, MeckPomm, as you’re lovely called… I’ll be right here on this blog to sing your praises — just as soon as I can tear myself away from your chalky cliffs, OK?

Stay tuned for Part 2 (next week). There’s so much more in store. :-)

Posted in Culture & Art, Dream Trips, Parks & Nature, Places To Live, Regional, Sights, Travel Tips | 2 Comments »

A Magical Mystery Tour Through Germany

Monday, January 16th, 2012

No, I don’t think the Beatles had Germany in mind when they penned their Magical Mystery Tour album in 1967. But, they could have.

Germany (or the land that IS Germany) has been around a very long time, and many places have seen the likes of Stone, Bronze, and Iron Age man (and woman), Celts, and Romans — each bringing their own aura of mystery to the land.

So, in honor of the Beatles — welcome to my Magical Mystery Tour.

Barbarossahöhle (Barbarossa Cave)
This vast network of caves northwest of Bad Frankenhausen in Thuringia has seen all sorts of ancient rituals and offerings from salt to hair, including human dating to around 3,000 years ago.

ISIS Temple & Mater Magna
Only discovered in 2000 (quite by accident) in Mainz, this Egyptian Goddess’ temple and one to the Great Mother was favored by Roman soldiers as late as the 3rd century A.D. Artifacts found have included everything from lamps to fruit (wow, talk about preservation).

Ohlsdorf Cemetery
While not a Roman or Celtic site, the Ohlsdorf Cemetery in the Ohlsdorf district of Hamburg is the final resting place for more than a million people (mostly the who’s who of Hamburg). It has 12 chapels, six memorials, museums, an area for World War I soldiers, and 17km of roads.

Mt. Untersdorf
Close to Berchtesgaden, there are more then 400 caves within the area of Mt. Untersdorf. One legend tells of the end of the world from here. It’s said to have haunted spirits, and even the Dalai Lama himself noticed the magical aura of the place.

Mühlhausen
In the town of Mühlhausen in Thuringia you’ll see a reconstructed Germanic Tribe village on the site of pagan sacrifices dating to the 6th century B.C. Want to learn more? Check out their website at www.opfermoor.de.

Witches Dancing Ground (Hexentanzplatz)
Yes, the Hexentanzplatz is a real place in the rustic Harz Mountains, near the town of Thale. The legend says that witches left from the spot before heading to Mt. Brocken to wed the Devil. Today you’ll find plenty of men, women, and children just having a good time.

Exernsteine
Found in Horn-Bad Meinberg in the Teutoburg Forest are the so-called Exernsteine — 13 pillars made from rock standing over 37-meters tall. It’s also where artifacts dating to 10,000 B.C. have been found.

I’m pretty sure I’ve missed about a gazillion other mystical places in Germany — so feel free to add any you know to the list. Then it’ll be OUR Magical Mystery Tour. ;-)

Posted in Dream Trips, Parks & Nature, Sights | 1 Comment »

Germany’s National Parks Should Be More Famous

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Yeah, sure, the United States have some national parks that’ll knock your proverbial socks off (Yosemite and Yellowstone to name a couple). But, did you know that Germany also has some famous ones; and not so famous ones?

Because I’m German, I love lists (an order for everything, I must say). This is why I’ve made a list of some of my faves of Germany’s National Parks (besides the Black Forest, which I did not list below since I guess you all know by now that the Schwarzwald is my top favorite of all). This way, while you’re here you can enjoy the family-friendliest, most economical, a downright prettiest countryside on the planet.

Sorry, Yellowstone, you’re gorgeous too.

Bavarian Forest National Park

The Bavarian Forest is 243 square kilometers that stretches eastward all the way to the Czech Republic’s Bohemian Forest National Park. With 300km of hiking trails, 200km of cycling paths, and 80km of cross-country skiing lanes, there’s no possible way you’ll ever say or hear the words: I’m bored.

Harz National Park

The mountainous Harz region in both Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt has wild boars, woodpeckers, and hundreds of other kinds of wildlife living in it. Add in cave exploration and a ride on the 130km narrow-gauge railway, and you’ve got an excellent adventure to say the least.

Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park

One word: mudflats. Yes, mudflats. Mudflat hiking is booming here — and there’s not much to it. Get yourself a guide to fill you in on the low tide schedule, then walk out on the terra firma that was just covered by the water.

As if hiking the mudflats isn’t enough, try to find all 3,000 species of animal that lives within this park’s boundaries, take a boat cruise, or enjoy the rustic simplicity of a small fishing village.

Saxon Switzerland National Park

No, Saxony does not border the country of Switzerland — that’s just its name. It’s called Saxon Switzerland due to the mountainous landscape.

But, I don’t think you’ll care when you’re off hiking around the rock formations, valley, or gorges. Dresden isn’t too far away, so starting from there makes getting to this park remarkably simple.

Hainich National Park

Forested woodlands makes this Thuringian landscape look as if it came straight from the pages of a storybook. Guided tours can take you to find everything from mushrooms to a thousand-year old Oak tree, or you can choose to follow the Rennsteig (Thuringia’s oldest hiking trail) or see Wartburg Castle all on your own.

These are some of my favorite picks, and I’m pretty sure that you’ll love them too.

Posted in Parks & Nature | 1 Comment »

Germany’s Nude Beaches And A Few Rules

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

It’s hot, and most likely you’ve managed to shed just about every ounce of clothing that‘s possible without being arrested for indecent exposure.

Summer’s rough, isn’t it?

However, if you want to shed ALL of your clothing, then you might as well do it at one of Germany’s nude beaches.

Nude beaches? Germany’s got nude beaches?

Yeah, it sure does and they are scattered throughout the country, so you’ll find one when you really want one (or, got the guts to go ;-).

Uh, where are they; and what are the “rules” for being there?

Let’s start at where it all started; the island (and town) of Sylt (in North Frisia). The entire island isn’t a beach for naturists (as nude beach goers are called), but an area of the island has been set aside for those looking to don their clothing since the 1920’s.

Situated on the Baltic Sea in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, you’ll find some nude beaches in the Rügen district. The white chalky cliffs make for a great background. Too bad though you can’t bring a camera to take pictures of them.

You really didn’t think you could bring cameras onto a nude beach, did you? ;-) Do yourself a favor and keep the camera put away until you’ve left the beach area. OK?

Even Berlin gets in on the nude beach action over at the Wannsee. The sandy beach might be clothes free, but make sure you’ve brought something to cover up with while you’re playing beach volleyball or are out paddle boating.

It’s always good form to bring something to sit on or cover up when you’re at a nude beach restaurant, or some other concession area. Sanitary, ya know.

Lower Saxony has got a nude beach on the island of Borkum. Whether you keep your clothes on or take them off, you’ll love the clear lakes and nude camping.

One thing, Gentlemen, if you’ve come to Borkum or some other nude beach to pick up the ladies; you better think twice. Nude beaches aren’t meat markets!

Yeah, that means you don’t invade anyone else’s space. And you certainly don’t want to be up close & personal not smellin’ all that fresh. So, make sure you’ve practiced some hygiene before arriving.

Look, don’t kill the messenger. I didn’t make the rules, I’m just passing them on. ;-)

Hamburg isn’t going to be left out. So, if you’re a true naturist, the Sommerbad Volksdorf is the place you’ll want to be.

Places like this are (believe it or not) quite family-friendly. So, please don’t come to the Sommerbad Volksdorf thinking it’s like Jamaica’s Hedonism. Keep the public displays of affection to a very (very, very) bare minimum.

Better yet, don’t display them at all.

But, don’t let a few rules of etiquette keep you from enjoying the best of Germany’s nude beaches. Then again, most of these “rules” would apply if it was a clothing-required beach, as well. Right?

Posted in Parks & Nature, Sports | 5 Comments »

Hiking In Rhineland-Palatinate Makes A Perfect Summer Activity

Friday, May 20th, 2011

If you love some nice hikes in Germany, you’ll find an ideal place to take to the trails in Rhineland-Palatinate. Enjoy history and nature combined into an incredible adventure.

There are so many trails, it’s hard to know where to begin. Probably one of my favorites is walking through the Hunsrück hills. In the summer you’ll find a flowered wonderland, and in autumn the woods are ablaze with color.

The Saar-Hunsrück Trail leads you into scenery beautiful enough that you won’t want to forget to bring your camera gear. Climb the high ridges, cross lovely valleys and be rewarded with some spectacular views. Begin at the Cloef observation point and hike down the hill to Mettlach. Follow streams and relax on benches to catch your breath and maybe a bite to eat.

When you reach Grimburg Castle, you can choose whichever path suits your fancy. You can continue on to Trier, or you can move on to Idar-Oberstein. If going to Idar-Oberstein, you will be heading into the beautiful Nahe Valley. But no matter the path you choose, you will love every minute of your hike.

Of course, the most famous hike in Rhineland-Palatinate is the Ausoniusweg. Named for a Roman poet, this trek is broken into sections so you can manage each one easily in a short amount of time. Otherwise you’d be on the road for a week or more!

Starting in Bingen am Rhein, you will find the joy of walking through amazing landscapes. But before you truly start on this Roman Road, you’ll want to stop to see the St. Martin basilica, the “Mouse Tower” as well as the Klopp Castle.

This road goes from its beginning in Bingen, the first section of the hike ending in Rheinböllen, a distance of 23 km. Then take off for Kirchberg, another 19 km. The next section is to Morbach-Gonzerath, then to the village of Gräfendhron. From there it is 18 km to Fell (Mosel). And the last leg of your journey is from Fell to Trier, a 12 km hike.

After a long trip such as that, you’ll want to take a break, and there is no better place than in Trier. Don’t miss visiting the oldest cathedral in Germany, and be sure to see the amphitheater in the Olewig district.

You can spend a lot of time around Trier on some exciting hikes, too. So your adventure isn’t over yet! You can find a trail map at Weißhausbrunnen, and take any one of the nine trails through the forest. At a length of about 38 km in total, you will enjoy the more than 6,000 acres of forestland and wildlife.

You see, Rhineland-Palatinate offers some great vacation adventures for the whole family. It’s a place of beauty and wonder, at any time of year.

—Marcus

Posted in Parks & Nature | 2 Comments »

The Amazing Beauty Of Scenic Routes In North Germany

Monday, May 9th, 2011

Traveling some scenic routes through North Germany will truly give you an accurate picture of why Germans are so proud of their beautiful country. You will view historic sites, visit places of fairytale fame and simply enjoy the scenery.

If coming from South Germany, you will come to our lovely northern section via the German Fairy Tale Road. If beginning your journey in northern Germany, you still have to be sure to include this route on your itinerary.

Starting in the south in Hanau, just a half hour east of Frankfurt, as you move northward, you will see settings along the way that take you to your childhood. The landscapes are reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm. In Kassel, for example, you must stop at the Grimm Museum.

With plenty of family activities to enjoy as you drive, you will find the kids are completely entertained with story-telling fun, puppet shows and much more, no matter what town you stop in. But stopping at the Sababurg (in Hofgeismar) is definitely a thrill for the young ones, as this is where Sleeping Beauty slept away 100 years.

The remainder of the Märchenstraße consists of lovely rolling hills and wonderful forested terrain, perfect for some outdoor activities, ending in Bremen and its Town Musicians.

The largest city in the north of Germany is Hamburg. There is plenty to do here as you take a breather from so much driving. You can shop, walk along the Elbe River, or just sit in a small cafe and enjoy some great food.

Driving from Hamburg to Berlin, you can take a short excursion north to Naturpark Lauenburgische Seen or Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park. Everyone will love the large lakes and extensive stretches of forestland.

Another side trip is to drive through the countryside of the state with the longest name, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, moving along the healthy coast of the Baltic Sea. An old narrow-gauge railway offers mesmerizing trips, running from the spa town of Bad Doberan to the equally relaxing town of Kühlungsborn.

While in Mecklenburg, be sure to visit Rostock. This town was founded way back in 1218. A walking tour of this town gives you another break from driving and allows you to stretch your legs.

There is so much to see in North Germany and about the best way to get around and not miss a thing is to rent a car and drive it. You are your own boss this way as well. It makes the experience a marvelous one! :-)

—Marcus

Posted in Dream Trips, Parks & Nature | 1 Comment »

Travel Idyllic Scenic Routes Through South Germany

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

Be sure to bring your camera along when you travel the roads throughout South Germany. The photos you’ll take will allow you to relive the wonders you experience on your trip for years to come.

Moving along the scenic routes in Southern Germany gives you the opportunity to see an engaging country, meet friendly folks and taste delicious food. A driving vacation gives you a special view of Germany that can’t be beat by any other means.

Flying into Frankfurt Airport [FRA], Munich Airport [MUC], or Stuttgart Airport [STR] are probably the most convenient ways to access the most popular southern drives. You will experience Bavaria and the Rhine Valley in a way never to be forgotten. Rent a vehicle so you can take your time to enjoy your travels.

The Rhine Valley will be your first stop. It is only about an hour from Frankfurt, driving northwest. Rüdesheim am Rhein is a good place to start your explorations. If you want to save all your driving time for other roads, you can always choose to take a river cruise between Rüdesheim and Sankt Goar. This is a beautiful boating tour, sure to give you something to remember with love.

While in Rüdesheim, be sure to take the cable car up to the monument sitting high above the Rhine. Some amazing views await you there. Great restaurants provide great food, too, so you won’t go hungry.

Next trip will be taking the Romantic Road. Romantic Road is like moving through the old days of Germany. View picturesque scenes of walled towns, gorgeous cathedrals and perhaps come upon a festival celebrating medieval times.

Head southeast from the Rhine Valley and you will drive for about two hours (stopping to take photos, of course) to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Here you can stop for the night.

While in Rothenburg, you should explore this medieval town. Take some delicious food at Market Square and visit St. Jakob’s Church. There’s even a museum showing the early ways of crime and punishment. Take a horse and buggy ride through town to really get the flavor of the olden days.

When you continue on your journey, you will start on the famous castle section of this popular road. Reaching the Neuschwanstein Castle, you have come to the end of this route, but will get to tour two marvelous castles for the price of one. Reservations will be needed, so ensure you book early, before starting your trip.

The German Fairy Tale Road will be the next route to include on your itinerary. This road begins in Hanau, just a half hour east of Frankfurt. The settings along the way will remind you of the Brothers Grimm, with the landscapes that were the inspiration for many fairy tales.

The kids will really love this trip, too. There are numerous family-friendly activities all along the way. Pick any town in which to stop to enjoy plays, puppet shows and story-telling events.

You will end up in North Germany as you travel this well-known path. It’s taking you to a new adventure in another part of lovely Germany.

Now you’ve seem some of the most remarkable scenic routes South Germany has to offer. :-)

—Marcus

Posted in Dream Trips, Parks & Nature | 2 Comments »

Bavaria’s Gorgeous Rivers To Catch A Healthy Trout

Monday, April 11th, 2011

Germany offers some great fishing for those who want some wonderful outdoor experiences when visiting. Bavaria is particularly enjoyable, with many rivers, streams and lakes that contain healthy populations of trout and other fish.

With more than 400 spots where you can cast a line in Germany, you’ll find a place in Bavaria that will fulfill your fishing dreams. You can look in the Fliegenfischen, a German fly-fishing magazine, and scour the pages to find the fishing spot best for you. They also produce a pamphlet with map so you can narrow down your choices.

If you like mountain scenery, you’ll find two rivers in the town of Berchtesgaden. Downtown there’s a small store called Schirm-Dink where you can get your fishing permit. Take time out while there to tour the salt mine and go see Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest.

Closer to Ramsau, you can get in some lake fishing at the Hintersee Lake. The deep, clear waters are filled with brown, rainbow and other trout. On the west side of the lake, at Hotel Gamsbock, you can find daily or weekly permits. Wade the shallows or rent a boat and get out mid-lake to see what you’ll catch.

Pull out your dry flies and get ready for a day of fishing in Bavaria on the Wiesent River. This marvelous place is located in central Bavaria, and perhaps you’ll catch it at a point where the river is running high. These spring-fed waters offer big trout.

Next to the Austrian border, many anglers love to fish the Deutsche. This free-running river and its tributary streams offer great catches. Getting out in nature can’t be beat, especially in such a lovely area.

Both novices and experienced fishermen enjoy the Weiße Traun, near the village of Siegsdorf, with long stretches and gentle beaches. Access is simple, and the normal water levels allow for great wading.

Always check the weather before embarking on your adventure. Mornings can be misty and gray with fog. But as the sun peeks through and rises, it will burn off the clouds and the day will become pleasant and warm in spring and summer.

Don’t be put off by the rules and regulations on fishing in Germany. Sure, there are some things you must understand before fishing the lakes, rivers and streams. But this happens anywhere, in any country.

In Germany, you won’t find any actual public fishing spots. Someone owns all accesses to streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. So in addition to getting a German license, you must pay to fish in various areas. You’ll find permits available in most hotels and other accommodations, general stores and of course, fishing shops. You can get daily, weekly or monthly permits depending on the time you want to spend out there in nature.

Trout season opens at the start of May and goes through October. Some areas are open all year, but you can find this out once you determine where you are going in Bavaria to fish. That would be the first step — working out where exactly you are heading in Germany’s Bavaria.

Truly, there’s nothing better than fishing those beautiful mountain streams of Bavaria, and it’s worth a little bit of extra trouble to get access. You’ll find some of the best opportunities to have some superb fishing in Germany are right here, as well as incredible scenery as a backdrop.

—Marcus

Posted in Parks & Nature | 4 Comments »

Hike In Bavaria And Experience Amazing Scenery

Monday, March 21st, 2011

Bavaria offers untold adventures among its landscapes. You will find historic sights, towering snow-capped peaks and abundant wildlife. When visiting Germany, this is one outdoor experience you shouldn’t neglect.

There are so many hiking routes to take advantage of around Munich and within lovely Bavaria, that it is impossible to list them all in one short article. But below you’ll find some of the best.

Close to Munich, there are a number of places to take off for a day trip for a walk along a marked trail. A favorite seems to be Jochberg Mountain. In the summer it might get a bit crowded, but it is an easy climb for the whole family. Allow yourself about an hour or even two and a half hours if you want to take it slow. Between May and September there will be no snow, making it easy to reach the summit.

Another Bavarian trail, this one starting in Gunzenhausen, takes you on a long trek of 198 km, but you don’t have to go the whole way. Called Altmühltal-Panoramaweg, this trail leads all the way to Kelheim. Visit ancient ruins, medieval houses, fortresses and darling little towns and villages.

Lake Ammersee offers some scenic hiking for the outdoor lover! Hike along the river Lech. Take an easy jaunt around the lake. It’s very relaxing to walk through gorgeous alpine pastures, across quaint bridges and into lush valleys.

The German section of the Allgäu Alps is one very popular place to go to get in some hiking. Lying on the German/Austrian border, these mountains have a varying terrain which attracts people from all over. If you don’t want to have too much difficulty, you can always hike among the smaller hills that rise from the pastures. These are the Allgäu Prealps and provide stunning views.

Traveling south from Munich, you will find that Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the perfect place to go in summer months for great hiking. In this deep valley, you can enjoy walking on trails around the blue, sparkling lakes or try something more strenuous, like climbing across some glaciers.

For some well-kept trails, you’ll find plenty around Lake Tegernsee. You can take some easy hikes or go for the longer and steeper trails. Many of these are cleared in the winter, making it possible for all-year-round hiking.

There are many trails in the Pfaffenwinkel area, where you will find enchanted forest landscapes and much natural beauty. The Lech-Höhenweg trail is one that provides breathtaking views of river valleys. Others trails include the König-Ludwig-Weg and the Prälatenweg.

Stop for a filling Bavarian meal with delicious beer when you hike around Lake Chiemsee. You can even take some time to enjoy other activities here, such as rafting the Tiroler Achen River, cycling or mountain biking.

The city of Starnberg is known as the heart of the Five Lakes Country, and you can hike a number of trails in this area. Strolling along the shores of the lake is quite a relaxing pastime.

Throughout Bavaria, you’ll find a wide choice of trails, from many easy and well-marked trails to those where you can set off on an adventure along unmarked pathways. Whether trekking in Berchtesgadener Land, in the Bavarian Forest or through Lower Bavaria, hiking in this region of Germany is something you simply can’t pass up.

—Marcus

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